Chablis

Chablis wines come from the Chablis region in the north of Burgundy, France. Chablis is a white wine, made from the Chardonnay grape, but has distinctly differing characteristics to other styles of Chardonnay. In comparison to the white wines from the rest of Burgundy, Chablis has on average much less influence of oak. Most basic Chablis are unoaked, and vinified in stainless steel tanks. The amount of barrel maturation, if any, is a stylistic choice which varies widely among Chablis producers. Chablis are typically light, crisp, fruity, and floral. They have a bit of a steely edge to their flavor and are suited to pairing with seafood and light poultry.

Chablis are grown in a very flinty soil and it is this limestone that gives Chablis its distinct flavor. The cool climate of this region produces wines with more acidity and flavors less fruity than Chardonnay wines grown in warmer climates.

The four appellations in Chablis are based on the type of land the vines are grown on.

These are:

Chablis Grand Cru: the north bank of the Serein river

Chablis Premier Cru: south- and west-facing hills

Chablis: north- and east-facing hills

Petit Chablis: flat ground

There are only seven Grand Cru vineyards; Les Clos, Blanchots, Bougros, Vaudésir, Valmur, Preuses and Grenouilles, and around 40 Premier Crus, with some smaller vineyards falling under the name of a larger group.